Key Takeaways
- GoodGym is a UK-based organization that combines exercise with community service, encouraging residents to "get fit by doing good."
- The organization has over 26,600 members in 67 locations across England and Wales, with plans to expand to Northern Ireland and Scotland.
- Members participate in various volunteer activities, such as clearing sidewalks, picking up trash, and visiting older adults, while also getting a workout.
- The organization aims to make it easy for people to stay in shape and give back to their community, with no expensive gym membership or pressure to show up.
- Research has shown that blending volunteering with exercise offers additional mental health benefits, including reduced loneliness and increased sense of belonging.
Introduction to GoodGym
GoodGym is a unique organization that combines exercise with community service, making it a fun and rewarding way for people to get fit while giving back to their community. The organization, which was founded in 2007, has grown rapidly and now has over 26,600 members in 67 locations across England and Wales. Members participate in various volunteer activities, such as clearing sidewalks, picking up trash, and visiting older adults, while also getting a workout. This approach to fitness and community service has proven to be a winning combination, with members reporting improved mental health and a sense of belonging.
The Concept Behind GoodGym
The idea behind GoodGym is simple: to encourage people to get fit while doing good in their community. Founder Ivo Gormley started the organization after realizing that he could use his exercise routine to make a positive impact on his neighborhood. Instead of going to a gym, Gormley started running to deliver newspapers to older adults in his community. This simple act of kindness sparked the idea for GoodGym, which has since grown into a nationwide organization. Gormley’s vision was to create a space where people could come together to get fit while making a difference in their community. By combining exercise with community service, GoodGym provides a unique opportunity for people to meet new friends, learn new skills, and feel a sense of accomplishment.
How GoodGym Works
GoodGym is easy to join, with no expensive gym membership or pressure to show up. Members can sign up for activities that interest them, such as clearing weeds in a community garden or visiting older adults. The organization pairs volunteers with tasks that need to be done, and members are encouraged to run, walk, or bike to their assignments. This approach makes it easy for people to stay in shape while giving back to their community. GoodGym also offers a social aspect, with members often meeting up for a drink or meal after their volunteer work is done. This social aspect is a key element of the organization, providing members with a sense of belonging and connection.
The Benefits of GoodGym
Research has shown that blending volunteering with exercise offers additional mental health benefits. A study by the London School of Economics found that GoodGym members reported improved mental wellbeing, including reduced loneliness and increased sense of belonging. The study, which surveyed over 3,600 members, found that the combination of volunteering and exercise had a powerful impact on mental health. The study’s lead researcher, Christian Krekel, noted that the findings were promising and could help shape public policies on mental health. The benefits of GoodGym are not limited to mental health, however. Members also report improved physical health, increased social connections, and a sense of purpose.
Real-Life Examples of GoodGym in Action
In southwest London’s Battersea district, local GoodGym leader Anastasia Hancock organizes a variety of volunteer projects for members. One of the group’s regular activities is helping to maintain a community garden located on a derelict parking lot rooftop. The group meets up for a run or bike ride to the garden, where they spend the evening digging, squatting, and lifting. Members say that the regular sessions have the added benefit of offering a safe way to run outside after dark, and that the sense of camaraderie and purpose keeps them coming back. Another example of GoodGym in action is the group’s work with older adults. Members visit older adults in their homes, providing companionship and assistance with practical tasks. This work not only benefits the older adults but also provides members with a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
The Future of GoodGym
GoodGym has big plans for the future, with expansion to Northern Ireland and Scotland on the horizon. The organization is also looking to increase its membership and offer more activities and volunteer opportunities. With its unique approach to fitness and community service, GoodGym is well-positioned to make a positive impact on communities across the UK. As the organization continues to grow, it is likely that more people will discover the benefits of combining exercise with community service. With its emphasis on social connections, mental health, and community engagement, GoodGym is an organization that is making a real difference in the lives of its members and the communities they serve.